LCSW, 13 years of experience
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS), and Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) with 13+ years of experience, licensed in South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Utah, and Maine. I specialize in supporting neurodivergent adults, first responders, military personnel, and trauma survivors navigating addiction, burnout, anxiety, women’s issues, and major life transitions. My approach is warm, nonjudgmental, and trauma-informed. I practice an eclectic, psychodynamic approach that integrates trauma-focused CBT, narrative therapy, and somatic, Polyvagal-informed strategies to regulate the nervous system—because the body is often the key to unlocking lasting relief from anxiety and trauma. I also bring deep focus to ADHD, anxiety, and women’s concerns—including perfectionism, people-pleasing, and burnout among high performers under heavy societal demands and systemic challenges. I meet clients where they are, honor identity and special interests, and blend practical skills with deeper insight so you can understand patterns, heal old wounds, and build tools that actually fit your life. The goal is simple: turn pain into power and reconnect with your sense of purpose.
In our first session, clients can expect a welcoming, collaborative space where we focus on building trust and understanding your unique story. We’ll start with a diagnostic assessment to explore your current concerns, history, strengths, and goals for therapy. I’ll also explain how I work, answer any questions you have, and ensure we’re moving at a pace that feels safe and supportive. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling heard, respected, and hopeful about the path ahead.
One of my greatest strengths as a provider is my ability to meet clients exactly where they are, without judgment or expectation. I take an eclectic, individualized approach—drawing from CBT, ACT, DBT, mindfulness, and trauma-focused modalities—to create a therapy experience that’s as unique as you are. Clients often share that they feel deeply seen and understood in our work together. What makes my practice especially unique is the emphasis I place on transformation: helping people rise above life’s emotional undertows and reconnect with their inner strength and clarity—much like finding calm above the tides. ******** I take a neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed approach to ADHD and executive functioning challenges, grounded in both evidence-based strategies and nervous system regulation. Drawing from Polyvagal Theory, I help clients understand how their brain and body respond to stress, overwhelm, and demand, and how to build sustainable systems that support safety, focus, and motivation. Together, we work to reduce shame, increase self-awareness, and develop personalized routines and coping tools that honor your unique energy, needs, and values. Whether you're navigating ADHD, trauma, burnout, or life transitions, my goal is to help you reconnect with your strengths and create a life that feels both empowered and regulated.
I’m best positioned to serve neurodivergent adults, women’s health concerns, Veterans, healthcare providers, high performers, LGBTQIA+ individuals, survivors, first responders, military personnel, and those navigating addiction recovery or major life transitions. Many of my clients carry the weight of complex trauma, burnout, or identity exploration and are seeking a space where they feel seen, safe, and understood. I work especially well with clients who value a nonjudgmental, affirming approach and may have felt misunderstood in more traditional therapy settings. I specialize in ADHD and neurodivergent-affirming care because I believe neurodivergence is not a disorder to be fixed but a natural variation of the human mind. As a neurodivergent clinician myself, I bring both professional expertise and lived experience to the work. I understand firsthand the challenges of navigating systems that weren’t built for our brains, as well as the strengths, creativity, and resilience that come with thinking differently. I offer a validating, nonpathologizing space where clients can be fully themselves—without masking. While traditional evidence-based treatments have value, many were not designed with neurodivergent individuals in mind and can unintentionally reinforce shame or unrealistic expectations. That’s why I take an integrative approach—blending structured methods with flexibility, compassion, and creativity. I draw from holistic practices, nervous system regulation, and the Living in Balance model to support the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. Therapy with me isn’t about fixing you; it’s about building a life that works for your brain, not against it. Offering phone sessions after 5 PM and on weekends. Please email me Meagan at abovethetides dot com about video availability.
Currently only offering appointments evening and weekends. I’ve used CBT/DBT/ACT extensively throughout my career to help clients identify and reframe unhelpful thought patterns that impact their emotions and behavior. I integrate CBT techniques to support clients in building insight into their cognitive distortions, develop healthier coping strategies, and move toward actionable change. It’s especially helpful for managing anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma-related symptoms.
ACT is a core part of my approach when working with clients navigating painful thoughts, chronic stress, or life transitions. I guide clients in developing psychological flexibility, identifying core values, and learning to accept internal experiences without judgment. I often pair ACT strategies with mindfulness and somatic work for deeper integration.
I incorporate DBT skills training—particularly emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness—into both individual and group sessions. DBT is especially useful when working with clients who experience intense emotions, trauma, or relational instability. I’ve found it effective with neurodivergent clients and those recovering from codependency or emotional dysregulation.
Mindfulness is woven throughout my practice, whether through grounding exercises, breathwork, or present-moment awareness strategies. I use mindfulness-based interventions to help clients manage anxiety, cultivate self-compassion, and reconnect with their bodies. It’s particularly effective when paired with ACT or DBT for clients managing chronic stress or burnout.
My work is grounded in an eclectic approach that draws from a wide range of evidence-based therapies to meet each client where they are. I integrate somatic practices and Polyvagal Theory to help clients regulate their nervous systems, reconnect with their bodies, and build a greater sense of safety and resilience. At the same time, I draw from trauma-focused, psychodynamic, and narrative therapies to explore both the immediate impact of trauma and the deeper patterns that shape relationships, emotions, and self-perception. This flexible and holistic style ensures that therapy moves at a pace that feels safe, collaborative, and uniquely tailored to each client’s healing journey.
1 rating with written reviews
June 17, 2025
First meeting with Meagan, instant connection. Able to meet me where I am and provide coping mechanisms off the gate to help start to meet some of my goals. Realistic and caring.